Method for producing frozen confections

ABSTRACT

A method for producing frozen confections includes a plurality of metering pumps which equally divide a flow of semi-solid confectionary material into a like plurality of flows and delivers such flows to a like plurality of forming heads. The forming heads are reciprocated along a generally diagonal axis during formation of confectionary products and in the opposite direction upon completion of formulation. The speed of translation in one direction is preferably distinct from the speed in the other direction. If desired, such flows may be combined with other unidirectionally flowing material to form a layered product. A cutting wire severs the flows of combined confection material into a desired length product in timed relation to the reciprocation of the forming heads. The individual products are received on a moving conveyor which transports them to the next operating station. Here, edible particulate material is dispensed onto the upper surface of such confections in timed relation as they each pass under the respective plurality of measuring and dispensing chutes. The confections then pass through a refrigeration zone where they are solidly frozen before receiving a coating of chocolate or similar material from a final operating station.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of Ser. No. 894,694, filed Aug. 8, 1986,and now U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,197, which was a continuation-in-part ofSer. No. 632,898, filed July 20, 1984, and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a method and r apparatus forproducing frozen confections and more particularly to a method andapparatus for producing a frozen confection having edible particulatematter disposed upon a frozen confectionary base and enrobed in acoating such as chocolate.

Lines for the automated production of frozen confections take many formsand provide many and varied functions depending upon the configurationand complexity of the confection. Generally speaking, a flow ofsemi-frozen, viscous product such as ice cream, ice milk, or othersweetened dairy mixture is formed into an appropriate baseconfiguration, the flow is interrupted or severed into individualproduct bodies and finally, particulate matter and coatings are applied.Preferably such operations are performed in a continuous manner on amachine assembly typically utilizing a conveyor for the transfer of theproduct in its various states from one method step performing station toanother.

One such process is illustrated in my co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,768.Here, an apparatus is disclosed wherein a comestible cone receives achocolate layer on its inner surface through an atomizing process, adairy confection such as ice cream, ice milk, sherbert, for example, isdelivered into the chocolate coated interior of the cone and edibleparticulate material such as chopped nuts or the like is applied to thecomestible ingredient disposed within the cone. The device disclosedtherein for applying the particulate material generally comprehends ametering and delivery device disposed generally above the movingconveyor and spaced several inches from the tops of the confectionaryproduct. So disposed, a certain portion of the particulate material maynot be applied to the product but may fall to the conveyor segments,slowly building up thereupon and interfering with the operation thereof.Such material represents a problem not only from a cleaning andmaintenance standpoint but also from a cost standpoint as this lostmaterial generally cannot be reused. Since such edible material istypically relatively costly, even a small percentage loss issignificant.

Another, similar production line is illustrated in my co-owned U.S. Pat.No. 4,189,289. Here, frozen bodies or disks of a confection of icecream, ice milk, or other edible material disposed on sticks areadvanced through and coated in a chocolate spray. The chocolate coatingis allowed to cool and congeal and is then rapidly and superficiallysoftened by the application of heat in order to render it tacky suchthat edible particulate material such as chopped nuts and the like maybe adhered to the surface of the chocolate coated confection. In thisproduction line, such edible particulate matter is supplied to a chamberthrough which the chocolate covered confections pass and which includesa pair of rapidly spinning vanes or rotors which agitate and propel theparticulate material randomly about the chamber at sufficient velocitiesthat impact with the chocolate coating secures them thereto. Since thechamber necessarily includes entrance and exit openings for theconfections, a certain portion of the randomly propelled particulatematerial will escape from the chamber without adhering to theconfections. While such particulate material can generally be recoveredand resupplied to the chamber, if desired, it represents a process theefficiency and efficacy of which can be improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention is directed to a methodof and apparatus for producing frozen confections consisting of a baseof ice cream, ice milk or other edible material combined with at leastone layer of a distinct material such as caramel, edible particulatematter such as nuts disposed on the upper surface thereof and a coatingof a third distinct confection such as chocolate which enrobes the otherconstituents. The apparatus includes a plurality of metering pumps whichmay be independently adjusted to provide a like plurality of equal flowsof a semi-solid confectionary material such as ice cream, ice milk orthe like. Such flows are delivered to a like plurality of dispensingheads or dies where this material may be combined with at least oneother material such as caramel or the like to form a layered product.The dispensing heads are secured to a platform which simultaneouslyreciprocates along vertical and horizontal axes to move the dispensingheads in a generally diagonal pattern facilitating product formation andsevering. The individual bodies are severed by a cutting wire whichreciprocates in timed relation to the motion of the platform anddispensing heads. Preferably, the dispensing heads are aligned such thata common cutting wire may simultaneously sever the plurality of flows ofthe combined confectionary materials into individual bodies of a desiredlength.

The individual bodies are received on a moving conveyor which transportsthem to the next station of the apparatus where they receive edibleparticulate material on their upper surfaces. This station includes asupply hopper for such particulate material which feeds into a pluralityof delivery channels and chutes which are mechanically vibrated in timedrelationship to the passage of the bodies beneath the chutes. Accuratemeasurement and uniform dispersion of the edible particulate material onthe upper surface of the confectionary bodies is thus achieved.

The confectionary bodies then pass through a refrigeration zone wherethey are frozen before receiving a coating of chocolate or similarmaterial from a final operating station. The coated and frozenconfectionary bodies may then be provided to a packaging area where theyare suitably packaged.

Thus it is an object of the instant invention to provide a method forproducing frozen confectionary bodies consisting of a base portion andone or more layers of diverse constituents, edible particulate matterdisposed thereupon and a coating surrounding such base portion, layersand particulate matter.

It is a further object of the instant invention to provide an apparatusfor producing frozen confectionary bodies having a base and layers,particulate matter disposed thereupon and a coating surrounding suchbase, layers and particulate matter.

It is a still further object of the instant invention to provide anapparatus for the production of frozen confectionary bodies having anassembly for applying edible particulate matter which accurately andrepeatedly measures the quantity of particulate matter applied.

It is a still further object of the instant invention to provide anapparatus for the production of frozen confectionary bodies having anassembly for applying particulate matter which substantially eliminateswaste of such particulate matter.

Further objects and advantages of the instant invention will becomeapparent by reference to the following description of the preferredembodiment and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for producing confectionarybodies according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a portion of the drivemeans of an apparatus for producing confectionary bodies according tothe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a portion of theplatform, carriage, and cutting wire assemblies of an apparatus forproducing confectionary bodies according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side elevational view in partial section of thedrive mechanisms for the carriage and cutting wire assemblies;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, end elevational view of a portion of theplatform, carriage, cutting wire assemblies, and forming heads;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of one of the particulatematerial dispensing assemblies and associated processing zones;

FIG. 7 is a graphic presentation of the relationships between thepositions of the vertical platform and cam, the horizontal carriage andcam and the cutting wire;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view in full section of a confectionaryforming head;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a forming head and conveyor during theearly portion of the confectionary body forming cycle;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a forming head and conveyor during anintermediate portion of the confectionary body forming cycle;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of a forming head and conveyor atapproximately the end of the confectionary body forming cycle wherein aconfectionary body has been fully formed and just severed from the flowof confectionary material issuing from the forming head; and

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a forming head and conveyor at the endof one forming cycle and the beginning of the subsequent forming cycleof a confectionary body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, an apparatus for the production of confectionsincluding edible particulate matter according to the instant inventionis illustrated and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Theapparatus 10 generally includes a conveyor assembly 12, a confectionarybody forming assembly 14, and a particulate material applicationassembly 16. In FIG. 6, a refrigeration zone 18 and a coatingapplication zone 20 are illustrated which also are a part of theapparatus 10. The conveyor assembly 12 is conventional and may include aplurality of transversely extending segments 22 having lengthsapproximately equal to or slightly longer than the length ofconfectionary bodies 24 formed by and in accordance with the instantapparatus and method. The conveyor assembly 12 may, alternatively,include a continuous full width belt. It is preferably driven through aspeed reducing drive by an electric motor (both not illustrated) and inFIG. 1, moves from left to right.

The confectionary body forming assembly 14 includes severalsubassemblies such as a first confection supply assembly 30, a secondconfectionary supply assembly 32, a platform and carriage assembly 34and a forming and severing assembly 36.

Turning first to the first confectionary supply assembly 30, it receivesa flow of viscous, typically semi-frozen dairy product such as icecream, ice milk, or the like, or similar flowable confection or material40 through a conduit 42. The conduit 42 bifurcates into a pair ofconduits 44, each of the conduits 44 again bifurcating into a set offour conduits 46. Each of the four conduits 46 feeds into a common,elongate manifold 48. This arrangement of serially bifurcating conduitsprovides a highly uniform distribution of the flow of the material 40 tothe elongate manifold 48 thereby facilitating uniform volumetric flowout of the manifold 48 as will next be described.

A plurality of outlet conduits 50 communicates between the manifold 48and a like plurality of constant displacement pumps 52 such as gearpumps or similar constant displacement design which are driven by a likenumber of individual variable speed motors 54. Each of the variablespeed motors 54 may include a speed reduction drive (not illustrated)between it and the associated constant displacement pump 52. Each of themotors 54 is preferably provided with electrical power controlled by adevice such as an SCR or triac controller (not illustrated) whichpermits accurate and infinitely adjustable control of the rotationalspeed of the motor 54 and pump 52 and thus the output flow thereof. Fromeach of the constant displacement pumps 52, a flexible hose 56 carriesthe confectionary material 40 from the first confectionary supplyassembly 30 to the forming and severing assembly 36. It should beunderstood that the precise number of bifurcations in the fluid suppliedto the manifold 48 as well as the number of conduits 48, pumps 52, andflexible outlet hoses 56 may and will be adjusted to suit individualcircumstances and desired production capacity. The utilization of sixconstant displacement pumps 52 and the associated components of FIG. 1should therefore be considered merely illustrative and exemplary. Theprecise number of such components actually utilized may varysignificantly and no limitation on the present invention should beinferred.

The confectionary body forming assembly 14 further includes a secondconfectionary supply assembly 32 which receives a flow of a secondconfectionary material 58 such as caramel, marshmallow, or similarconfectionary material which is distinct from the first confectionarymaterial 40. The second confectionary supply assembly 32 includes apressurized tank or header 60 having a plurality of flexible outlethoses 62 which distribute and transfer the flow of the secondconfectionary material 58 to the forming and severing assembly 36.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the confectionary body forming assembly 14also includes a generally rectangular base 66 which is suspended fromabove by structural members such as a plurality of columns 68. Thecolumns 68 may be secured to building super-structure (not illustrated)or may be secured to an overhead horizontal and/or vertical cranemechanism whereby the entire confectionary body forming assembly 14 maybe raised, lowered, and horizontally translated as desired. The base 66is stationary during operation of the apparatus 10 and provides astationary plane of securement for the plurality of constantdisplacement pumps 52 and associated electric motors 54. A plurality oflugs or ears 70, preferably four in number, are disposed generallyadjacent each corner of the base 66 and define a vertically orientedaperture or bushing 72 which each receives a vertically oriented guidebar or rod 74. A compression spring 76 is concentrically disposed aboutthe upper portion of each of the guide rods 74 and engages the uppersurface of the lugs 70. An annular retaining collar 78 surrounds and issecured to each of the rods 74 and engages the end of the compressionspring 76 opposite the lug 70, thereby providing a spring biaseddownward limit to the travel of the guide rods 74 as will be readilyunderstood. Each of the lower termini of the guide rods 74 is secured toa lug or ear 80 which extends from the periphery of a platform 82.

The platform 82 is a component of the platform and carriage assembly 34and is reciprocated vertically by a vertical reciprocation mechanism 86secured to the underside of the base 66. The vertical reciprocationmechanism 86 includes a prime mover such as an electric motor 88 whichis coupled to a speed reducing and right angle drive mechanism 90. Anoutput shaft 92 couples the speed reducing and right angle drivemechanism 90 to a chain sprocket 94 and a vertical drive cam 96. Theshaft 2 is supported on suitable bearing and support assemblies 8 whichare secured to the underside of the base 66 through conventional meanssuch as threaded fasteners, weldments or the like. The vertical drivecam 96 includes a track 102 cut in one face thereof. A roller-type camfollower 104 is disposed therein. The cam follower 104 is disposed uponone end of a bell crank 106 which is pivotally secured to a clevis-typebracket 108 which is also secured to the underside of the base 66 bysuitable fasteners or weldments. The opposite end of the bell crank 106from the follower 104 is pivotally received within lugs 110 secured tothe upper portion of the platform 82 and retained by a suitable pin 112.The profile of the cam track 102 is such that it provides relativelyslow ascent of the platform 82 during the relatively long portion of thetrack 102B and relatively rapid descent during the relatively shortportion of the track 102A as will be more fully described subsequently.Inspection of FIG. 2 reveals that clockwise rotation of the cam 96causes relatively slow downward translation of the follower 104 andrelatively rapid upward translation of the follower 104. The bell crank106 reverses this motion and reciprocates the platform 82.

A conventional drive chain 120 is engaged by the first chain sprocket 94and transmits rotational energy to the second gear sprocket 122. Thesecond gear sprocket 122 is secured to a horizontal shaft 124 which issupported in a suitable bushing and bracket 126. The bracket 126 issecured to the underside of the platform 66 through means discussed withreference to the brackets 98 and 108. The end of the shaft 124 oppositethe second gear sprocket 122 is supported by an additional bushing andbracket assembly 8 which is likewise secured to the underside of thebase 66. A third chain sprocket 130 is affixed to the shaft 124 andengages a second chain 132 which transfers rotational energy laterallyto a fourth chain sprocket 134. The fourth chain sprocket 134 islikewise secured to a first stub shaft 136 which is supported in anotherbushing and bracket assembly 138 secured to the underside of the base66. The first stub shaft 136 is terminated in a double universal joint140 which permits misalignment and angular flexibility between the stubshaft 136 and a second stub shaft 142 secured to the opposite end of thedouble universal joint 140.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the second stub shaft 142 issupported between a pair of brackets 144 (one of which is illustrated inFIG. 4) which are secured to the platform 82 and form a portion of thehorizontal reciprocation mechanism 146. Secured to the second stub shaft142 is a horizontal drive cam 148 having a track 150. The profile of thecam track 150 is substantially similar to the profile of the track 102of the vertical drive cam 96 in that it provides relatively rapid radialmotion of a follower over a short portion of the cam track designated150A and relatively slow return motion over a significantly greaterportion of the cam track designated 150B. Disposed within the track 150of the horizontal drive cam 148 is a roller-type cam follower 152 whichis secured to a crank 154. The crank 154 is pivotally secured by meansof a pivot pin 156 or other suitable means to a pair of brackets 144. Atthe opposite end of the crank 154 is disposed a pin 158 which pivotallysecures the crank 154 to a linkage arm 160. The linkage arm 160 in turnis pivotally secured by means of a pivot pin 162 to a clevis 164 on acarriage 170. Inspection of FIG. 4 reveals that clockwise rotation ofthe second stub shaft 142 and the horizontal drive cam 148 causesrelatively slow translation to the left of the cam follower roller 152and relatively rapid motion to the right. The crank 154 reverses thismotion and causes the carriage 170 to translate slowly to the right andrapidly to the left. Inasmuch as the drives to the cams 96 and 148 arecommon and at the same speed, vertical translation of the platform 82and the carriage 170 as well as horizontal translation of the carriage170 occurs in synchronism. The phase relationship between thesetranslations is illustrated in FIG. 7 and described relative thereto.The cooperation between the mechanisms 96 and 146, the resultant motion,and its facilitation of production of the confectionary bodies 24according to the instant invention will be discussed in greater detailbelow.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the carriage 170 includes aplurality of bushing blocks 172 (one of which is illustrated in FIG. 3)which define apertures in which a pair of cylindrical shafts or guides174 are slidably received. The pair of guides 174 are disposed parallelto the left and right sides of the platform 82 and define an axis ofmotion of the carriage 170 parallel to the platform 82. The pair ofguides 174 are secured by mounting blocks 176 or other suitable means tothe underside of the platform 82.

Also secured to two of the mounting blocks 176 by a pair of hinges 180is a cutting wire assembly 182. It should be understood that the cuttingwire assembly 182 includes a pair of mirror-image support and adjustmentstructures, only one of which is illustrated in FIG. 3. The cutting wireassembly 182, inasmuch as it is secured to the platform 82, reciprocatesvertically but does not reciprocate horizontally as does the carriage170. The hinges 180 and a respective pair of threaded adjustmentmechanisms 184 permit adjustment of the return or home position of thecutting wire assembly 182 about the axis of a pair of pins 186 of thehinges 180. Thus the cutting wire assembly 182 may be pivoted somewhatcloser to or further away from the carriage 170 from the positionillustrated in FIG. 3 by releasing and resecuring the threadedadjustment mechanism 184. The cutting wire assembly 182 includes a pairof brackets 188 which are secured to and each support a tubular guide190. Slidably disposed about each of the tubular guides 190 is aC-shaped cylindrical guide 192. The cylindrical guides 192 substantiallysurround the tubular guides 190 and the pairs of members cooperativelydefine sliding bushings which facilitates bi-directional translation ofthe cylindrical guides 192 along the axes established by the tubularguides 190.

Extending between the pair of cylindrical guides 192 disposed onopposite sides of the platform 82 is an I-beam 196. Secured at intervalsacross the I-beam 196 are a plurality of stanchions 198 which receiveand support a cutting wire 200. The cutting wire 200 is tautly stretchedbetween such stanchions 148 and is secured at each end by a suitablefastening means such as a clamp or a threaded fastener (notillustrated). Secured to the upper portion of the I-beam 196 at at leasttwo positions along its length is a clevis 206 which pivotally receivesa link 208. At least two links 208 are preferably utilized and each ofthe links 208 is pivotally secured to a respective arm of a respectivepair of crank arms 210. The crank arms 210 are fixedly secured to ashaft 212 which extends substantially across the full width of theplatform 82 and is received within bushings 214 in the mounting blocks176. Fixedly secured to the shaft 212 at preferably approximately itstransverse midpoint is a crank arm 216. The crank arm 216 is in turnpivotally secured to a clevis 218 affixed to the terminus of a pistonrod 220. The piston rod 220 is received within a cylinder 222. Thecylinder 222 is preferably pivotally secured by a clevis 224 or othersuitable assembly to the underside of the platform 82. The cylinder 222preferably includes a spring (not illustrated) which biases the pistonrod 220 to the extended position illustrated in FIG. 4. When compressedair or hydraulic fluid is applied to the cylinder 222, the piston rod220 retracts, overcoming the bias of the spring and driving the I-beam196 and specifically the cutting wire 200 downwardly. Upon release ofsuch fluid pressure, the piston rod 220 extends and returns to theposition illustrated in FIG. 4. This function may also be achieved byutilization of a double-acting piston and cylinder by alternatelycharging and venting opposite ends of the cylinder as those familiarwith such components will readily understand. Control of the supply andrelease of fluid pressure to the cylinder 222 may be achieved by aconventional electro-pneumatic valve (not illustrated). Actuation ofsuch valve occurs once for every rotation of the shafts 92, 124, 136,and 142 or the cams 96 and 148 which may be sensed by any conventionaloptical, electrical, magnetic or mechanical sensor (not illustrated).

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 8, the means for forming the individualconfectionary bodies 24 will now be described. Across the width of theconveyor 22 are disposed a plurality of forming heads 228. The formingheads 228 are disposed in parallel, juxtaposed relationship and definean output axis generally parallel and aligned with the direction oftravel of the conveyor assembly 12. Each of the forming heads 228 isgenerally rectangular in cross section and includes a pair of inlets forthe first and second flows of confectionary material 40 and 58,respectively. A first inlet 230 associated with each of the flexiblehoses 52 communicates with a larger bottom region 232 of the forminghead 228 and a second inlet 234, associated with each of the flexiblehoses 62 communicates with a thin, generally rectangular upper region236. It should be understood that the relative sizes, shapes,orientations and number of regions in the forming heads 228 may bevaried widely to produce a given size and configuration of product. Itwill also be appreciated that the plurality of forming heads 228 areequal in number to the number of constant displacement pumps 52 andmotors 54 inasmuch as the larger center region 232 of each of theforming heads 228 is associated with and fed by one of the pairs ofpumps 52 and motors 54. It should further be appreciated that each ofthe forming heads 228 are identical though, of course, this need not beso.

The plurality of forming heads 228 are each secured to a common supportbeam 238 which forms a portion of and extends across the full width ofthe carriage 170. Also extending substantially across the full width ofthe carriage 170 is a header 242. The header 242 is hollow andcommunicates with a plurality of depending hollow tubes 244 havingclosed ends. One of the hollow tubes 244 is disposed adjacent eachvertical sidewall of the forming heads 228, generally adjacent itsoutput end as illustrated in FIG. 3. The hollow tubes 244 include ports246, one of which is aimed and aligned with the vertical wall of theadjacent forming head 228. Thus, the hollow tubes 246 on the extremeends of the header 242 include but one port 246 whereas the remaininghollow tubes 244 disposed intermediate adjacent forming heads 228include two ports 46, one directed to each of the adjacent sidewalls ofthe forming heads 228. The header 242 is supplied with compressed air atlow pressure and the hollow tubes 244 provide a jet of air directed tothe vertical sidewall of the forming head 228 generally adjacent itsoutlet, thereby providing a flow of warming and drying air whichinhibits the formation of condensation and ice which might interferewith the formation of the confectionary bodies 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, the particulate material applicationassembly 16 is disposed generally transversely to and extends across thefull width of the conveyor assembly 12. The particulate materialapplication assembly 16 preferably includes a storage chamber or hopper250 having a volume sufficient to supply edible particulate material 252such as chopped nuts and the like for an extended period of time. Whenempty, or substantially so, the hopper 250 may be filled manually frombulk supplies of the particulate matter 252 maintained nearby. Thehopper 250 is supported by suitable brackets or supports 254 which arein turn secured to stationary frame members of the conveyor assembly 12.The hopper 250 is generally trapezoidal in cross section and tapers to arelatively narrow outlet section 256 which feeds into a plurality ofchambers 258 which each extend transversely across a portion of thewidth of the conveyor assembly 12. The outlet section 256 of the hopper250 extends to within a short distance of the bottom surface of thechambers 258. The vertical spacing between the lowermost portion of theoutlet section 256 and the bottom of the chambers 258 is such that theparticulate material 252 may not readily flow out of the section 256 butis sufficiently great and preferably only slightly greater than themaximum dimension of any particulate material 252 such that particlescannot be trapped therebetween. Conversely, the spacing is not so greatthat particulate material 252 is permitted to flow unrestrained from thehopper 250 into the chambers 258. The chambers 258 are divided into aplurality of vertically oriented chutes 260 which terminate in a likeplurality of horizontal troughs 262 disposed just slightly above theupper surfaces of the confectionary bodies 24. The entire assembly ofthe hopper 250, chambers 258, chutes 260 and troughs 262 are disposedupon a plurality of mechanical vibrators 264. Preferably, the mechanicalvibrators 264 are electrically powered and may thus be readily andintermittently activated in timed relationship to the passage ofconfectionary bodies 24 below the termini of the horizontal troughs 262.The mechanical vibrators 264 are preferably secured to and supported bya structure such as the brackets 254. The quantity of particulatematerial 252 applied to the confectionary bodies 24 as they pass belowthe end of the horizontal trough 262 may be controlled by eitheradjusting the vertical separation between the bottom of the outletsection 256 and the chamber 258 or by adjusting the intensity of thevibration generated by the mechanical vibrators 264. It should beappreciated that the particulate material application system 16 iscapable of accurate and repeated measurement of particulate material 252and application thereof to confectionary bodies 24 passing thereunder.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, there are illustrated the refrigerationzone 18 and a coating application zone 20. The refrigeration zone 18 maybe any conventional sub-zero cooler through which the confectionarybodies 24 pass on the conveyor segments 22 and in which they enjoy aresidence time of approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Here thy are rapidlyand uniformly chilled to a reduced temperature, typically substantiallybelow 0° F. The confectionary bodies 24 are then translated by theconveyor assembly 12 to a coating application zone 20. Here, coatingssuch as chocolate or a similar confectionary material are applied to theexterior surfaces of the confectionary bodies 24. The coating may beapplied by spraying, dipping, or other suitable processes known in theart. If the coating material is chocolate or a material which displayssimilar temperature related viscosity characteristics, the previousrefrigeration step ensures that the coating will adhere readily to theindividual confectionary bodies 24 and congeal rapidly due to thesignificantly reduced temperature of the bodies 24.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 1 through 7 and particularly to FIGS. 9through 12, the method of producing frozen confections with theabove-disclosed apparatus will now be described. As noted previously, aflow of first confectionary material 40 such as ice cream, ice milk orthe like is received by the first confectionary supply assembly 30.Bifurcating conduits 44 and 46 provide a uniform flow of theconfectionary material 40 into the manifold 48. The constantdisplacement pumps 52 which are individually driven by variable speedmotors 54 provide individually controlled flows of the firstconfectionary material 40 through the flexible outlet hoses 56 to thelarger, bottom regions 232 of the forming heads 228. It will beappreciated that the foregoing configuration &5 permits individualadjustment of the volume rate of the flow of the confectionary material40 in order to ensure, through adjustment, identical flows of theconfectionary material 40 to each of the forming heads 228 and thusidentical weight bodies 24. Likewise, the second confectionary supplyassembly 32 receives a flow of a second confectionary material 54 suchas caramel, marshmallow, or a material which is distinct from the firstconfectionary material 40. This material 54 is received within apressurized tank or header 60 and, due to its viscosity relative to thefirst confectionary material 40, is relatively readily divided into aplurality of flows through the flexible hoses 62 which transfer thesecond confectionary material 54 to the second inlet 234 of the formingheads 228 and into the generally rectangular upper region 236 thereof.As provided to the forming heads 228, the flows of the firstconfectionary material 40 and the second confectionary material 58 arecontinuous.

Turning now to the platform and carriage assembly 34 and specificallythe vertical reciprocation mechanism 86 and the horizontal reciprocationmechanism 146, the operation of these elements is best illustrated withreference to FIG. 7. The cams 102 and 148, as noted previously, aredirectly coupled such that they rotate constantly at the same speed andthus with the same phase relationship. Furthermore, the profiles of thetracks 102 and 150 are substantially identical in that they providerapid motion during travel of the device coupled thereto in onedirection of the reciprocating cycle and slow motion in the oppositedirection of the reciprocating cycle. Specifically, the profile of thetrack 102 of the cam 96 of the vertical reciprocation mechanism 86 isarranged such that the associated platform 82 ascends slowly anddescends relatively rapidly as graphically illustrated in FIG. 7.Likewise, and in the simultaneous timed relationship therewith, thehorizontal cam 148 and the track 150 thereof drive the carriage 170slowly to the right in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, during one portion of thereciprocating cycle and rapidly to the left during the other portion ofthe reciprocating cycle and cam profile designated 150A. The slow andrapid motions of the platform 82 and the carriage 170 are provided inunison as illustrated in FIG. 7. Thus, the movement of the carriage 170and specifically the forming heads 228 define a generally diagonal lineextending relatively from the lower left position to an upper rightposition, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 12. Furthermore,the horizontal motion of the carriage 170 and the forming heads 228,that is, that motion provided by the horizontal reciprocation mechanism146, when moving from left to right during the portion 150B of the track150, is slightly faster than the horizontal linear speed of the conveyorassembly 12.

The forming and severing of the confectionary bodies 24 will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 9 through 12. FIG. 9 illustrates theposition of the forming head at an instant early in the forming step ofthe confectionary body 24. The forming head 228 is moving to the rightin the same direction as the conveyor segments 22, though at a slowerspeed and upwardly as well. FIG. 10 illustrates the formation of aconfectionary body 24 at approximately the midpoint of production of agiven confectionary body 24. Note that the forming head 228 has movedupwardly and to the right from the position illustrated in FIG. 9relative to the cutting wire 200. In FIG. 11, the forming head 228 hascompleted a forming cycle and is beginning to move rapidly to the leftand downwardly while the cutting wire 200 cycles rapidly downwardly tosever the flow of confectionary materials 40 and 58 issuing from theopen end of the forming head 228. The completed confectionary body 24 isthus produced comprising a lower base portion of a first confectionarymaterial 40 and an upper topping portion of a second confectionarymaterial 58, and positioned substantially in the center of the segment22 of the conveyor assembly 12 adjacent the open end of the forming head228. In Figure 12, the forming head 228 is disposed at its lowermost andleftmost position and the flow of confectionary material 24 continues toissue from the forming head 228, commencing formation of the nextconfectionary body 24. The cycle then repeats as illustrated by the nextstep illustrated in FIG. 9 as the forming head begins to move upwardlyand to the right, repeating the cycle.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of producing confections comprising thesteps of:providing a first flow of a confectionary material, providing asecond flow of a confectionary material, providing a pair of chambershaving a pair of inlets for receiving a respective one of said flow ofconfectionary material and a pair of juxtaposed outlets combining saidfirst flow and said second flow of confectionary material into a commonflow, reciprocating said chambers, severing such common flow ofconfectionary material into individual bodies in timed relation to saidreciprocating of said chambers, horizontally translating said individualbodies, and intermittently providing a measured amount of edibleparticulate material and applying said measured amount on eachindividual body as said individual bodies translate.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said flows of confectionary material exit saidjuxtaposed outlets unidirectionally along substantially parallel flowpaths.
 3. The method of claim 1 further including the step of providinga translating conveyor for receiving such individual bodies ofconfectionary material.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said chambersare translated in the same direction as said conveyor prior to suchsevering step and in a direction opposite the conveyor after suchsevering step.
 5. The method of claim 1 including moving said chambersupwardly prior to such severing step and downwardly after such severingstep.
 6. The method of claim 1 further including the step of forming aplurality of flows of said first confectionary material with a likeplurality of variable flow rate pumps.
 7. The method of claim 1 whereinsuch measured amount of particulate matter is applied by intermittentlyvibrating an open ended chute filled with said particulate material. 8.A method of producing frozen confections comprising the stepsof:providing a first flow of a semi-solid confectionary material into afirst open-ended chamber, providing a second flow of a semi-solidconfectionary material into a second open-ended chamber disposedadjacent said first chamber, combining said first and said second flowsof said confectionary material into a common flow, reciprocating saidfirst and second chambers in timed relationship to said severing step,severing said common flow of confectionary material into individualbodies, translating said individual bodies, applying a measured amountof edible particulate matter on each of said individual bodies in timedrelation to said translating past a location, and passing saidindividual bodies through a zone of reduced temperature to freeze saidbodies.
 9. The method of claim 8 further including the step of filling asubstantially horizontal channel with such particulate material andintermittently vibrating such channel, whereby such measured amount ofparticulate material is provided.
 10. The method of claim 8 includingreciprocating said first and second chambers simultaneously verticallyand horizontally.
 11. The method of claim 10 further including the stepof moving a conveyor and moving said chambers in the same direction assaid conveyor prior to such severing step and inn the opposite directionafter such severing step.
 12. A method of producing confectionscomprising the steps of:providing a first flow of a first confectionarymaterial, providing a second flow of a second confectionary material,combining and extruding said flows of confectionary material into aunitary flow in a nozzle, reciprocating said nozzle along a first axis,severing said unitary flow in timed relation to said reciprocating ofsaid nozzles into individual bodies, translating said individual bodiesalong a conveyor movable along a second axis at a small acute angle tosaid first axis, and applying a measured amount of edible particulatematerial on each of said individual bodies in timed relation to saidtranslating.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said nozzle is providedwith first and second juxtaposed chambers for receiving a respective onof said flows of confectionary material and said chambers are providedwith a respective pair of adjacent outlets and combining said flows intoa common flow before said severing.
 14. The method of claim 12 furtherincluding the step of reciprocating said nozzle at a first speed in onedirection and at a second, distinct speed in the opposite direction. 15.A method for producing frozen confections comprising the stepsof:providing a plurality of substantially uniform flows of a firstconfectionary material, providing a like plurality of substantiallyuniform flows of a second confectionary material, providing a respectiveplurality of open-ended chambers each defining a first passageway anddischarging said flows in a respective plurality of common flows,reciprocating said open-ended chambers along a first axis, severing saidrespective plurality of common flows of confectionary material in timedrelation to said reciprocating into individual bodies, translating saidindividual bodies along a conveyor movable along a second axis at asmall acute angle to s aid first axis, intermittently supplying andapplying edible particulate material onto said individual bodies intimed relation to said translating past a location, and reducing thetemperature of said individual bodies to below 0° F.
 16. The method ofclaim 15 further including the step of reciprocating said open-endedchambers at a first speed in one direction and a second, distinct speedin the opposite direction.